When it comes to power in the middle of the defensive line, Kayden McDonald is the ultimate disrupter, an unmovable object making his way to an NFL stadium near you.
As one of the stars of the Ohio State Buckeyes defense, McDonald was elite against the run and used his 6-foot-3, 326-pound frame to both clog up the middle of the defensive line and bullrush blockers up the middle, collapsing the pocket for opposing quarterbacks.
In a breakout year at OSU, McDonald racked up 65 tackles, including 31 solo tackles with 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Within that production, the big defensive tackle showed off his combination of size and power as a run stuffer. His ability to draw double teams and clog rushing lanes opens playmaking opportunities for teammates.
Named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, McDonald will be high on many team’s draft boards, ranking near the top when it comes to defensive tackle prospects and that is due to how impactful he is against the run.
Kayden McDonald is a “steady force” from the inside
While teammates like Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles are getting most of the first-round buzz, one could argue they may have not been able to make the plays they made defensively if not for McDonald anchoring the middle of the defensive line. Ranked No. 33 on Daniel Jeremiyah’s 2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings, the NFL.com draft guru praises McDonald’s utilization of his size and power as a run defender.
Jeremiyah writes:
“McDonald has excellent size and strength for the DT position. He’s at his best against the run. He can press out blocks and disengage with violent torque. He’s very firm and stout, collecting tackles from guard to guard. He doesn’t offer much impact as a lateral chase player. As a pass rusher, he flashes some pocket push but lacks twitch and polish to consistently win. He’s more of a steady force than a dynamic playmaker.”
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There are a few NFL teams in need of defensive tackle help and depth in the 2026 NFL Draft. Given his draft projection, McDonald is a player who will have the opportunity to come and help produce on a playoff contender Day 1.
3 NFL teams in position to land Kayden McDonald
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears will be looking to beef up the interior of the defensive line in the offseason. What better way to do that than selecting Kayden McDonald in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Bears need a reinforcement against the run, McDonald adds that. The Bears need a a disrupter in the middle of the line who can create pressure up the middle. Yup, the Ohio State product is that guy. With nose tackle Andrew Billings set to hit free agency, the Bears will have an opportunity to get younger in the middle and add a force who will be a nuisance in the NFC North for years to come.
- Other first round options for the Bears: Lee Hunter (DT), CJ Allen (LB), Caleb Banks (DL)
Los Angeles Chargers
After another early exit in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Chargers will look to get stronger and deeper on both sides of the lines. They will get healthy with the return of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt on the offensive line, but there is still a great need in the interior. What will they do at No. 22? Well, if a player like Kayden McDonald is available, the Chargers will have an opportunity to add depth at defensive tackle and address the O-line later in the draft. In extending Teair Tart, the Chargers will look to add depth at the position as well as a player who can also play alongside Tart and help the Bolts’ defense get even better in 2026 if they can also add consistent edge rushers.
- Other first round options for the Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane (OG), Cashius Howell (ED), Peter Woods (WR)
Minnesota Vikings
Kayden McDonald may be destined for the NFC North. Befofe he can get to the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings should take a long look at McDonald with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With a few areas of need, the Vikings could look at McDonald to hold down the defensive tackle position for years to come. With both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave signed to massive contracts, the Vikings could draft McDonald and free up cap space by releasing either of the two veterans. As a big-time run stuffer, McDonald solves the Vikings long-term need at the position.
- Other first round options for the Vikings: Mansoor Delane (CB), Jermod McCoy (CB), Jeremiyah Love (RB)